Potential way to limit fighters turning down fights?

[68WCombatMedic]

Just a thought, but in light of Yair being cut due to turning down fights, what if the UFC went a different route?

Instead of either a)not punishing fighters or b) going to the extreme and cutting them, what if the UFC implemented a clause in every contract that states if a fighter turns down more than two fight offers, their show/win money is then reduced by a certain percentage for the remainder of said contract? This would apply to all fighters, as people like Conor will never be cut, and therefore go unscathed from turning down fights.

A 15-20% reduction in their pay would motivate fighters to not turn down fight offers. Turning down one fight is understandable in most cases, especially Yair's, so there shouldn't necessarily be a punishment. However, if a fighter is turning down multiple opponents, there should be repercussions.

There's no need to cut guys, and reducing their pay would provide more then enough incentive.

Now before people say fighter pay is low as it is (which I agree with), all they have to do is fight, which is their job, and no penalty is implemented.

Exceptions would be made if their fighter opponent misses weight, as they shouldn't be punished for turning down a fight against someone that has an obvious advantage.

Thoughts?

 

[Captain Tight]

Nah, this was just right.

I really liked this move by Big Daddy Dana on this one. He basically used a three strike policy and that fake news shit was the cherry on top that did it.

Yair got the award for biggest ass whooping of the year, turns down fights, and has the arrogance to chat shit. There's no reason for him to turn down that fight

 

[Soul On Ice]

Nah

If they don't wanna fight just cut them, what's the point of keeping them around?

Yair can go find himself in a feeder org and return when he's ready.

 

[neil_totally]

I think the problem with having any kind of “policy” with this kind of thing is what constitutes turning down fights “for no reason”. Even if you set a line for health/injuries, that line is gonna be all over the place as far as the fighters themselves are concerned. It would cause FAR too many problems.

Better to just do it as and when it seems appropriate.

 

[Thunderchild]

No; Independent Contractors and "at will employment." Fighters should be free to turn down fights and the UFC should be free to cut them.

 

[puppybird]

They should only have max 20 people in each weight class IMO, and 5 weight classes

Make UFC great again!

#MUGA

 

[Thug Rose]

this is how to do it: let fighters decide the time frame when they are ready to take fight offers (injuries/recovery/vacation are a thing, in that case its understandable to decline an offer). when any 2 fighters are available at the same time UFC can make the fight between them. if one fighter refuses it should count as loss by forfeit.

 

[bufetadanacara]

Assigned brackets, like a tournament.

That's the best way.

 

[jeff7b9]

Too easily manipulated.

Jon Fitch would have only been offered fights against DC and Cain.

 

[killakillakilla]

I don’t think fighters should have to fight if they don’t want too.

 

[Fishmonger]

 

[Kowboy On Sherdog]

Turn down a fight... don't get paid or get cut. Thinking if you avoid a ranked opponent... you should sit on the shelf for a while. When that rent bill comes... bet the fighter will take it.